ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
Final stage of Union Budget 2023-24 commences with Halwa Ceremony
The Halwa ceremony, marking the final stage of the Budget preparation process for Union Budget 2023-24, was held in North Block, today afternoon, in the presence of Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Ministers of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary and Dr. Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad.
A customary Halwa ceremony is performed every year before the “lock-in” process of Budget preparation begins.
Like the previous two Union Budgets, Union Budget 2023-24 will also be delivered in paperless form. The Union Budget 2023-24 is to be presented on 1st February, 2023.
All the 14 Union Budget documents, including the Annual Financial Statement , Demand for Grants , Finance Bill etc. as prescribed by the Constitution, will available on the “Union Budget Mobile App” for hassle-free access of Budget documents by Members of Parliament  and the general public using the simplest form of digital convenience. It is bilingual  and will be available on both Android and iOS platforms. The App can also be downloaded from the Union Budget Web Portal .
The Budget documents will be available on the Mobile App after the completion of the Budget Speech by the Finance Minister in Parliament on 1st February, 2023.
At the Halwa Ceremony, the Union Finance Minister was also accompanied by Dr. T.V. Somanathan, Finance Secretary & Secretary Expenditure; Shri Ajay Seth, Secretary, Economic Affairs; Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Secretary, DIPAM; Shri Sanjay Malhotra, Secretary, Revenue; Dr Anantha V. Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor; Shri Nitin Gupta, Chairman, Central Board for Direct taxes ; Shri Vivek Johri, Chairman, Central Board for Indirect Taxes and Customs ; and Shri Ashish Vachhani, Additional Secretary , besides others officers and staff of the Ministry of Finance, involved in the Budget preparation and compilation process, were also present on the occasion.
As part of the ceremony, the Finance Minister also took a tour of the Budget Press and reviewed the preparations besides extending her best wishes to the officials concerned.
Prime Minister's Office
Very good news for peace and progress in the Northeast: PM
Government of Assam and Dimasa National Liberation Army signed a peace accord for permanent peace.
Responding to the tweet by Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, the Prime Minister tweeted;
“Very good news for peace and progress in the Northeast.”
Ministry of Steel
SAIL declares H1 and Q2 results for financial year 2022-23
Posts net profit for H1 FY23
Steel Authority of India Limited  posted its financial performance for the half year and second quarter of the current financial year 2022-23 .
Performance of H1 FY 23  at a glance:
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Unit
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H1 FY 23
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H1 FY 22
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Crude Steel Production
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Million Tonne
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8.63
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8.24
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Sales Volume
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Million Tonne
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7.36
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7.61
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Revenue from Operations
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Rs. Crore
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50275
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47469
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Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation 
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Rs. Crore
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3780
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13921
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Profit Before Tax 
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Rs. Crore
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523
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10898
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Profit After Tax 
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Rs. Crore
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391
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8154
Performance of Q2 FY 23  at a glance:
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Unit
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Q2 FY 23
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Q2 FY 22
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Crude Steel Production
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Million Tonne
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4.30
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4.47
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Sales Volume
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Million Tonne
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4.21
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4.28
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Revenue from Operations
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Rs. Crore
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26246
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26827
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Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation 
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Rs. Crore
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1174
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7248
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Profit Before Tax 
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Rs. Crore
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 516
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5753
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Profit After Tax 
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Rs. Crore
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 386
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4304
The margins have been impacted by prices of imported coal and slowing down of demand of steel across economics. However, the on-going sustained infra push gives signs of better times ahead for the Indian steel market.
Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
Jal Bachao, Video Banao, Puraskar Pao Contest: Shreshth Sahu, Satish Mewada and Gopal Prajapati Win Prizes in the First Fort Night
The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation announced the winners for the first fortnight of the Jal Bachao, Video Banao, Puraskar Pao contest that was launched on 10th July 2018. Sh. Shreshth Sahu from Varanasi, Sh. Satish Mewada from Bhopal and Sh. Gopal Kumar Prajapati from Bokaro have secured the first, second and third positions respectively for the period 10th July to 24th July 2018. The winners will be given prize amount of Rs 25,000/, Rs 15,000/- and Rs 10,000/- respectively.
Jal Bachao, Video Banao, Puraskar Pao contest was launched by the Ministry in collaboration with the MyGov portal of the Government of India with the objective of spreading awareness about water conservation. Any Indian citizen can participate in the contest. He or she needs to shoot an original video on the theme. They are required to upload their entries on YouTube and enter the publicly accessible link on the Video link section of MyGov contest page www.mygov.in. Three winners will be chosen every fortnight till the 4th of November this year.
The response to the contest in the first fortnight has been good and it is encouraging to see that the winners of the first, second and third prizes are from different corners of the country. A total of 431 entries were received from MyGov, out of which 38 videos were shortlisted. After scrutiny of the shortlisted videos, top 3 were selected on the basis of various parameters. The participants are being judged on the basis of elements of creativity, originality, technical excellence, quality of videos and visual impact etc.
Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation appeals to the people of India to make and upload videos capturing the efforts, significant contributions, best practices in the field of Water Conservation, Optimum Water Utilization and Water Resource Development and Management in different parts of the country. Participants are requested to upload original videos only. Any innovative advertisement/commercial on Water Conservation are also welcome. The duration of the videos should be minimum 2 minutes and up to 10 minutes in Hindi, English or any other regional language and must not violate any provision of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957 or the Intellectual Property Rights of any third party.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Cabinet approves foreign investment of up to Rs.9589 crore in M/s Suven Pharmaceuticals Limited
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today approved the FDI proposal for foreign investment of up to Rs.9589 crore in M/s Suven Pharmaceuticals Limited by M/s Berhyanda Limited, Cyprus. The approval is for acquisition of up to 76.1% equity shares of M/s Suven Pharmaceuticals Limited, a public limited Indian pharmaceutical company listed on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited, by M/s Berhyanda Limited, Cyprus, by way of transfer of shares of from existing promoter shareholders and public shareholders through mandatory Open Offer. The aggregate foreign investment may increase up to 90.1% in M/s Suven Pharmaceuticals Limited.
The proposal has been evaluated by SEBI, RBI, CCI and other relevant agencies. The approval has been granted after examination of the proposal by Departments concerned, RBI and SEBI and is subject to the fulfillment of all rules and regulations as applicable in this regard.
The entire investments in foreign Investor Company, M/s Berhyanda Limited are held by Advent Funds, which pool investments from various Limited Partners . The Advent Funds are managed by Advent International Corporation, an entity incorporated in USA. Advent International Corporation, set up in 1984 has made investments of about USD 75 billion in 42 countries. Advent India started investments in India since 2007 and so far it has invested about Rs 34000 crores in 20 Indian companies across healthcare, financial services, industrial manufacturing, consumer goods and IT services sectors.
The approved investment aims to generate new jobs, capacity expansion of the Indian company through investments in plant & equipment. Association with Advent Group is expected to provide larger platform to M/s Suven Pharmaceuticals Limited by expanding business operations; achieving operational excellence; enhancing productivity and accelerate growth; improve the environment, health and safety standards of Indian Company; and bring in global best practices in management as well as excellent training opportunities to existing professionals.
The Government has put in place an investor-friendly Foreign Direct Investment  Policy regime for pharmaceutical sector in order to bring in global best practices through technology, innovation and skilling for accelerated economic growth and development; supplement capital for up scaling domestic productivity, increase competitiveness and employment generation amongst other benefits.
As per the extant FDI Policy, 100% foreign investment is allowed under automatic route in greenfield pharmaceutical projects. In brownfield pharmaceutical projects, FDI upto 74% are allowed under the automatic route and Government approval is required for investment beyond 74%. Total FDI inflows in pharmaceutical sector has been Rs.43,713 crore during last five years . The sector has witnessed significant growth in FDI of 58% in the last financial year.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Cabinet approves proposal for Constitution of Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
given its approval for constitution of Development and Welfare Board for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-nomadic Communities .
Background:
The NDA Government is committed to reach the most deprived citizens of this country. Amongst the most disadvantage communities in the country are the Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities . These communities are hard to reach, less visible, and therefore frequently left out. While most DNTs are spread across the Scheduled Castes , Scheduled Tribes  and Other Backward Classes  categories, some DNTs are not covered in any of the SC. ST or OBC categories.
It has, therefore, approved the setting up of a Committee under the Chairpersonship of Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog which will complete the process of identification of the Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities  that have not yet been formally classified.
The Government in July 2014 had constituted National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes  for a period of three years to prepare a State-wise list of castes belonging to Denotified and Nomadic Tribes and to suggest appropriate measures in respect of Denotified and Nomadic Tribes that may be undertaken by the Central Government or the State Government. The Commission started its work on 09.01.2015 submitted its report on 8th January, 20IS.
The Commission recommended for the setting of up a Permanent Commission for these communities. Since most of the DNTs are covered in SC, ST or OBC, constitution of a Permanent Commission will not be very effective in implementing development programmes, rather it will look at grievance redressal and will therefore be in conflict with mandate of existing commissions for SCs ., STs  and OBCs . The Government has therefore decided to set up a Development and Welfare Board under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 under the aegis of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the purpose of implementing development and welfare programmes for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-nomadic Communities.
The State-wise list of communities prepared by the Commission is not complete in the sense that with respect to some communities the Commission has stated in its report that this require further validation.
AKT/SH
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Ministry of Development of North-East Region
PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE NORTH EASTERN REGION MARKETING AND LOGISTICS DEVELOPMENT
FOR PROMOTING TRIBAL PRODUCTS FROM NORTH EASTERN REGION ” SCHEME ENVISIONS DIRECTLY ENHANCING THE LIVELIHOOD
TRIBAL COOPERATIVE MARKETING DEVELOPMENT FEDERATION OF INDIA  WITH THE NORTH EASTERN HANDICRAFTS AND HANDLOOM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 
Under the scheme “Marketing and Logistics Development for Promoting Tribal products from North Eastern Region ”, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs aims to strengthen livelihood opportunities for tribal artisans through increased efficiency in procurement, logistics and marketing of tribal products from North Eastern states. A memorandum of understanding in this regard has been entered into by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India  with the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation , a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, on 01.02.2023 for the implementation of this scheme in the NER. 14 TRIFED Regional Offices have signed agreements with India Post as their logistics partner for delivery of orders generated on the e-commerce portal of Tribes India.
The “Marketing and Logistics Development for Promoting Tribal products from North Eastern Region ” scheme envisions directly enhancing the livelihood of additional 6000 tribal artisans and tribal producers across the North East Region.
This information was given by the The Minister of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region shri G. Kishan Reddy, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 193.53 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 13.91 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,93,53,58,865
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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13,91,16,155
More than 193.53 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 13.91 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Shaktikanta Das for being rated “A+” in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2023
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated RBI Governor Shri Shaktikanta Das for being rated “A+” in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2023. Shri Das has been placed at the top of the list of three central bank governors who have been rated A+.
In reply to a tweet by the Reserve Bank of India, the Prime Minister posted on X
"Congratulations to RBI Governor Shri Shaktikanta Das. This is a proud moment for India, reflecting our financial leadership on the global stage. His dedication and vision continue to strengthen our nation's growth trajectory."
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President Greets People on the eve of Independence Day
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has greeted the people on the eve of Independence Day. In a message, he said that as India marches ahead as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, every citizen should work towards upholding the country’s civilizational values and strengthening its unity and integrity. Let us pay tribute to our great freedom fighters whose sacrifices got us this Independence, he added.
Following is the text of Vice President’s message:
“I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the joyous occasion of our Independence Day.
On this joyous occasion of Independence Day, let us take pride in the remarkable progress achieved by our nation in the various fields. As India marches ahead as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, every citizen should work towards upholding the country’s civilizational values and strengthening its unity and integrity.
Let us pay tribute to our great freedom fighters whose sacrifices got us this Independence and resolve to strive towards building a New India by eliminating poverty, illiteracy and corruption and realizing the dreams of the Father of the Nation and other valiant freedom fighters by achieving the cherished goals of prosperity, equality and dignity for every citizen of India.”
PIB Headquarters
Union Govt is committed to welfare of journalists: Ramadas Athawale
Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale inaugurated 2nd National Conference of All India Working Journalists Association  today, at Indira Priya Darshini Auditorium Hyderabad. Addressing the members Minister recalled the contribution and services of Baba Saheb Ambedkar in drafting our Indian constitution.
The Minister said the Union Government is committed to the welfare of working journalists. “I will definitely help and write to KCR chief Minister of Telangana to identify and acquire the land required for the housing society of journalists” he said
The Minister said that Government of Maharashtra has made laws to protect journalists, he appealed to the state government to bring such laws for welfare of the working journalists.
Minster appreciated the efforts Sri k.Koteshwar Rao, National President of All India Working Journalists Association  for taking various initiatives and promoting welfare programmes of working journalists.
The 2nd National Conference of AWJA discussed the challenges to freedom of press, issues relating to safety and welfare of working, health, education Schemes provided to journalist’s children.
S.Venkat Narayan FCC President, S.Bhagawan Lal Sahni, National BC Chairman, AWJA members, Journalists across have participated in the conference.
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Prime Minister's Office
PM inaugurates new ASI Headquarters in New Delhi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated Dharohar Bhawan - the new Headquarters building of the Archaeological Survey of India , - at Tilak Marg in New Delhi today.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that the Archaeological Survey of India has performed significant work over the course of the last 150 years or so.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of taking pride in our history, and in our rich archaeological heritage. He said that people should take a lead in knowing about local history, and archaeology of their towns, cities and regions. He said lessons in local archaeology could form part of the school syllabus. In this context, he also mentioned the importance of well-trained local tourist guides, who are familiar with the history and heritage of their area.
He said each archaeological discovery, painstakingly made by archaeologists over long periods of time, has its own story to tell. In this context, he recalled how he and the then French President had travelled to Chandigarh a few years ago, for a first-hand view of archaeological discoveries made by a joint Indo-French team.
The Prime Minister said that India should showcase its great heritage with pride and confidence, to the world.
The new Headquarters building of ASI has been equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including energy efficient lighting and rainwater harvesting. It includes a Central Archaeological Library with a collection of about 1.5 lakh books and journals.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs
1,38,051 new companies registered from April 2020 to February 2021
The Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs Shri Anurag Singh Thakur said that 1,38,051 new companies registered in the current Financial Year from April 2020 to February 2021 while 10,113 of Companies have been struck off by invoking the Provisions of section 248 of the Companies Act, 2013 from April 2020 to February 2021.
This the Minister stated in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
The Minister stated that the financial statements are filed with Ministry of Corporate Affairs for the statutory compliances to maintain the registry for public inspection and all documents are available at www.mca.gov.in. The financial statements are kept as filed and the financial ratios, like revenue to profit is not calculated. The number of filings may be different from year to year due to delays/ defaults in filing.
Thus such financial ratios across the whole universe of filings are not comparable, the Minister stated.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister’s private engagement with President and First Lady of USA
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended a private engagement hosted by US President H.E. Mr. Joe Biden and First Lady H.E. Dr. Jill Biden on 21 June 2023 in the White House.
Prime Minister also met their immediate family members.
Prime Minister’s participation in this special engagement reaffirms the warm friendship between our two countries.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Convergence of Sfurti Scheme
Ministry of MSME conducts regular assessment of the functional SFURTI clusters in respect of their profitability and marketability through during various review meetings, visits to clusters and 3rd party evaluation, etc. Based on the same, it has been observed that marketability and profitability of the clusters require special support due to the COVID 19 pandemic. To ensure the same, the Ministry has taken various initiatives like training on design development and product diversification to cater to the market demand, encouraging linkages with e-commerce portals, etc.
SFURTI scheme is applicable across the country. However, to expand the reach of the scheme across the country, special focus is given on proposals received from districts without an approved SFURTI cluster and Aspirational districts. The Ministry encourages the convergence of the SFURTI scheme with other welfare schemes of Ministries/Departments of Central and State Government. The Implementing Agencies of the clusters are already required to open bank accounts and provide General and Health Insurance to all artisans.
Minimum wage for artisans has not been specified under SFURTI. However, Ministry takes necessary initiatives under the scheme to upskill the traditional artisans and provide them with infrastructural support to add value to their products, thereby increasing their income in a sustainable manner.
The timeframe for functionalization of a SFURTI cluster since its approval is 12 months for a Regular cluster  and 18 months for a Major cluster . Ministry takes regular review of the clusters under implementation to ensure the timeline for functionalization of clusters are adhered to.
This information was given by Union Minister for MSME Shri Narayan Rane in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.